Consideration of the Past
February 4, 2023
Commentary
This passage consists of a review of Israel’s relationship with the Lord (vv. 7-10) and a call for Israel to remember who He is (vv. 11-14). Isaiah announced that he would reflect on the loyal love of the Lord toward His people Israel (v. 7). God had elected Israel as His son. This was not due to anything in Israel but totally due to God’s loving selection of them for special blessing (v. 8). The Israelites had responded to God’s grace in electing them by committing themselves to Him (Exod. 19:8) (v. 9). It is one of the most moving expressions of the compassion of God in the Old Testament.
Even though the Israelites pledged themselves to follow the Lord faithfully, they rebelled against Him and so grieved His Holy Spirit (v. 10). Having experienced the chastening of the Lord for some time, the Israelites reflected on former times when God had fought for His people rather than against them (v. 11). He had manifested His power through Moses as He divided the waters of the Red Sea and the waters of the Jordan River (v. 12). He led them as their deliverer, and made them as sure-footed as a horse traversing open country (v. 13). He even gave His people rest in Canaan (v. 14).
Isaiah next appealed to God on behalf of the nation, to have pity on Israel (vv. 15-19). He called on Him to look down from heaven, on His people below and reminded Him that He was Israel’s true father (vv. 15-16). God allows people to sin, but He does not make it inevitable that they sin (v. 17) (James 1:13). The holy people that the Lord had redeemed possessed the temple only briefly (v. 18). The Israelites had become like any other nation with whom God had no special relationship (v. 19).
Application
Just as Isaiah reminded the Lord of His past compassion toward His people I can remind the Lord of His past love and compassion toward me and request Him to have pity on me.
Isaiah 63:7– 19 (NET)
7 I will tell of the faithful acts of the Lord, of the Lord’s praiseworthy deeds. I will tell about all the Lord did for us, the many good things he did for the family of Israel, because of his compassion and great faithfulness.
8 He said, “Certainly they will be my people, children who are not disloyal.” He became their deliverer.
9 Through all that they suffered, he suffered too. The messenger sent from his very presence delivered them. In his love and mercy he protected them; he lifted them up and carried them throughout ancient times.
10 But they rebelled and offended his holy Spirit, so he turned into an enemy and fought against them.
11 His people remembered the ancient times. Where is the one who brought them up out of the sea, along with the shepherd of his flock? Where is the one who placed his holy Spirit among them,
12 the one who made his majestic power available to Moses, who divided the water before them, gaining for himself a lasting reputation,
13 who led them through the deep water? Like a horse running through the wilderness they did not stumble.
14 As an animal that goes down into a valley to graze, so the Spirit of the Lord granted them rest. In this way you guided your people, gaining for yourself an honored reputation.
15 Look down from heaven and take notice, from your holy, majestic palace! Where are your zeal and power? Do not hold back your tender compassion!
16 For you are our father, though Abraham does not know us and Israel does not recognize us. You, Lord, are our father; you have been called our Protector from ancient times.
17 Why, Lord, do you make us stray from your ways, and make our minds stubborn so that we do not obey you? Return for the sake of your servants, the tribes of your inheritance!
18 For a short time your special nation possessed a land, but then our adversaries knocked down your holy sanctuary.
19 We existed from ancient times, but you did not rule over them; they were not your subjects.